Monday, August 29, 2011

Three years ago, on August 29, 2008, Senator John McCain introduced the nation to Governor Sarah Palin. She was number two on that ticket, but she fired up the American people who came out to hear her speak. As they learned more about her, they discovered how much they respected her accomplishments, shared her values, and embraced her patriotism. They knew she was an asset to America.

I have always voiced great appreciation for Senator McCain's military service. He is an American hero, without question. Unfortunately, however, as a presidential candidate, he ran a campaign that did not serve him well. In addition, he surrounded the Governor with some people who were threatened by her, failed to see her strengths, and undermined her--even more so after the campaign. He subjected his VP pick to people who made choices that were naive at best and ill-intentioned at worst. I must not fail to say, however, that she was assigned some very good people who were--and are--loyal to her, people like Jason Recher, who is among the best of the best.

How has she handled the undeserved blame heaped upon her by people trying to protect their own futures and hide their own weaknesses? Well, let's just say she's The Undefeated. And let's not forget that she has led on all issues that the American people have found important: health care, job creation, taxes, foreign policy, energy. She is largely responsible for the shellacking Democrats suffered in the 2010 mid-term elections. Her endorsements were game-changers. She has fearlessly taken President Obama to task for his failed policies. She has shown an unfailing belief in American exceptionalism and an unwavering commitment to a fundamental restoration of this country. She has laid it all on the line.

So while she was tapped in 2008 as #2, she may soon be announcing that she will be #1 on the 2012 GOP ticket. Some people think she will announce in Iowa on September 3rd, the anniversary of her exemplary RNC speech, and some expected her to announce today, on this anniversary of McCain's bringing her out onto the national stage. I expected neither because I can't imagine her doing anything that even slightly resembles or is linked to the old McCain campaign. Governor Palin is paving her own way, and I believe she wants that to be clearly recognizable by everyone paying attention.

Though some of the GOP machine have dismissed Governor Palin, and others want her to remain on the sidelines cheering on lesser-qualified candidates, common sense Americans, including myself, have been anticipating her run for president for three years. Whether she will or won't will soon be revealed, for in just a few weeks, the Governor has said, she will let us know her decision.